Fabricated building construction



Apri1f 23,'1935. F. M CROWE i,998,448

' FABNICATED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION A A TTORNEYS.

FABRI CATD BUILDING CONSTRUCTI ON s JNVENTOR. iwi/fm (kon/4' ATTORNEYS.

lpril 23, 1935. F. M cRowE 1,998,448

FABRCATED BUILDING CONSTRUCTI ON Filed Maron 1s, 1931 7 sheets-sheet 3 'JEH-@f wwwa@ 'l I ATTORNEYS.

F. M. cRowE 1,998,448

FABRICATED BUILDING CONSTRUQTI ON April 23, 1.935.

Filed March 16, 1931 7 SheeLs-Sheetl 4 INVENToR. //V/yz coz/v (ech/5 April 23, 1935. F. M. cRowE FABRICATED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed March 1s, 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 R. m... Nw E Wm w m f.

April 23, 1935. 'F. M. cRowE FABRICATED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed March '16, 1931 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 axe:

April 23, 1935. F. M. cRowE 1,998,448

FABRICATED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION File-d March 1s, 1951 7 sheetsheet 7 /ff W /Qf /9/ l f f INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS.

Patented pr. 23, 1935d UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

1,998,448 FABaIoA'rEn BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Francis Malcolm Crowe, Burlingame, Calif. Application March 16, 1931, Serial No. 522,833

8 Claims.

This invention relates generally to the construction of houses and other buildings, and particularly to the construction and erection of .ex terior and interior walls thereof.

It has been generally realized that the use of more permanent and lire-safe materials will result in a superior building, but the application of such materials to dwellings has been limited up to the present time, due chiefly to the prohibitively high cost. The benefits of mass production, which have reduced costs in other lines of industry, have not reached this eld to any ex-I tent, although it has long been appreciated that ea reduction in cost might be achieved if certain l5 building operations, usually performed exclusively on the job, could be transferred to a factory production basis.

Factory fabrication ofsteel frames for houses has been attempted, in conjunction with the usage of more permanent supplementary materials, such as nre proof lathing in place of wood lath'. However increased total cost has characterized all such efforts, presumably because such fabrication involves only the structural framework which is a small proportion of the building as a whole and because savings resulting from quantity production of this portion of the construction are not.

example it is emential that some degree of exibility be allowed as to the size, shape and arrangement of rooms, the number and positioning of doors and windows, the color and texture of wall finish, the number and location of lighting flxtures and other electrical outlets, and as to various other details. Likewise it is desirable that no objectionable features be introduced, such as exposed piping or protruding electrical switches, and it is believed that a panelled appearance for interior walls is unlikely to prove generally acceptable.

It is an object of the present invention to devise a building construction which will permit the use of more durable, nre-resistive materials at a minimum of cost. The invention is characterized by the fact that a large percentage of the fabri- 50 cation -and other work -involved can be transferredtoa factory, and thereby placed upon a quantity production basis.

It is a further object of the invention to devise a building construction which can make use 55 ofprefabricated'panel units, which can be assembled in such a manner as to allow-a choice 'in selection of individual house designs, without entailing a great number' of different sizes and varieties of individual panel units. Another object of the invention is to provide concealed 5 spaces for the accommodation of electrical conduit, water and gas piping', and the like, without deviating from the standard character of the fabricated panel units. In this connection the invention is characterized by the fact that the 10 panel .units are fabricated to certain standard dimensions, and when erected, intervening vertical spaces are formed between the adjacent panels. The lateral distance as measured between the center lines of these spaces correspond to a given dimensional increment or multiple thereof, and as will be presently explained, these spaces, together with any structural members,

conduit, piping and the like which may be contained therein, are concealed upon completion of the wall.

Further objects of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the appended claims are to be accorded arange of equivalents consistent with the state of the prior art.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a floor plan of a building constructed in accordance with my invention.

Fig. 2` is a view illustrating one form of panel which can be employed.

Fig. 3 is a cross section taken on the plane indicated by line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a, cross section taken along the line 4-4 of Fig, 2.

Figs. 4a, 5, 6, 7 and 8 illustrate the manner in which various junctions between the panels can be constructed. A

Fig. 9 is a vertical section through one of the walls of a two-story structure constructed in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 10 is an elevational view of part of a wall of a two-story structure.

Fig. 11 is a cross section taken ou line ll-Il of Fig. 10.

Fig. 121s a cross section taken on line I'2-'| 2 of Fig. 11.

Figs. 13, 14 and 15 are detail views illustrating a manner in which structural steel sections can enter into the construction.

Fig. 16 is a vertical sectionalview of a wall utilizlng a modified form of panel. 55

Figs. 11. and 18 are further details of the construction.

Figs. 19 and 20 illustrate one manner in which piping and electric wire conduits can be accom- .modated in the structure.

ance with the present invention. The units from which these walls. are constructed are panels I2, and between the vertical edges of adjacent panels are vertical spaces I3. The distance I4 indicated on Fig. 1 is the actual Width of each single panel, and the distance I6 is the dimensional increment which is utilized as a basis for the building design to be presently explained. It is obvious that all of the panels I2 cannot be identical, as provision must be made in the constructionof certain panels for doors, windows and the like. For example panels |2a have openings to accommodate doors, panels' I2b have openings' to accommodate windows, panel |2c has an opening to accommodate standard dimensional increment I6 previously,

mentioned. Such interior arches may also be formed by the omission of a panel as at I5. Panel I2e is a triple panel and is provided with an opening for a wide window. Likewise panel I2f is a double panel to accommodate a window of greater width or optional location than might be provided in a single panel.

The advantages of utilizing standard increments as the basis for the dimensioning of room sizes,- as measured between wall centers will be apparent. It is obvious from the description of Fig. l that considerable flexibility and latitude is afforded in the design of a floor plan, it being merely necessary for the designer or architect -to utilize the arrangement and number of panels that will give rooms of dimensions approximating those desired, and that will enable the approximate positioning and numbers of windows and doors, as desired. Obviously minor deviations from a given design, as for example the provision of closets and cabinets, can be built upon the main structure, by ordinary methods; Various plumbing, lighting and heating 'fixtures are indicated on this typical floor plan.

In Figs. 2 to 4 inclusive there is shown a representative form of panel unit which can be utilized in my invention. 'Ihis panel unit is substantially rectangular inshape, and is formed by a metal `frame consisting of side vertical structural-members 2|, and top and bottom structural members -22 and 23 respectively. Reinforcing bars 24 join together the members 2| 4and serve to strengthen .'the frame. Diagonal bracing members 25 brace the-,panel frame and the erected wall as a whole.

lThe .body 26 of the panel can be conveniently formed ofsuitable cementitious material, preferably having insulating properties, as for example scribed in detail. The body may either be solid or may be cast or formed with a hollow interior for the sake of lightness, but such hollow interior will not be accessible for accommodating conduit orpiping installed during erection.

It will be noted that the upper structural member 22 of the panel is shown as being of channel shape to aiord a groove. Likewise the lower structural member 23 is also of channel shape but is arranged to form a tongue which will interlock or interfit with the groove formed by frame member 22 of a lower panel. Such tongue and groove panel edges can be cast ofthe body niiing material withoutuse of horizontal framing members 22 and 23, tho the latter comprise a desirable reinforcement for the lpanel. Structural members 2| in this instance are likewise channels, and it will be noted that the widthl of these members is substantially less than the thickness of the panel body 26. 'Thus as shown in Fig. 4 members 2| form parallel shoulders 21 which are set inwardly with respect to the side surfaces of the panel body 26. The usefulness of shoulders 21 will be Y presently explained. In order to enable convenient connection between one panel and other adjacent panels, or to other necessary structural members, each panel can be conveniently provided With projecting threaded studs 28 when erection involves bolted lconnections.' Obviously welding may be used for making erection connections as well as for fabricating the panel frames.

In forming a junction between the adjacent edge portions of two panels, an arrangement such as shown in Fig. 5 can be employed. In this case the vertical edge portions of the two panels are spaced to form the intervening vertical space'29. This space can be utilized for accommodating piping 30, electrical conduit, and the like. Vertical cover strips or slabs 3| are arranged to cover and enclose space 29, and these slabs are shown seated upon shoulders 21. In order to secure slabs 3| in place, they can be provided with apertures 32-thru which tie wires 34 can be passed and fastened around rods 33 which are positioned in such apertures. Slabs 3| are of such thickness that their outer surfaces are substantially vflush with the side surfaces of the -panel body 26, and

they are made of similar material, and suitably reinforced by metal rods, mesh or backing. Suitable cementitious material, plaster, or other filler 36 can be disposed between the edges of slabs 3| and adjacent portions of the panels, to provide smooth joints. Vertically spaced connecting members 35 are secured to members 2| by means of studs 28 and serve to connect members 2| to form the equivalent of a hollowA post or column. Since panel framing members 2| function as such posts and transmit vertical stresses, they will be ofmetal and possess considerable structural strength. After the panels are erected and cover .slabs installed, the exterior wall surfaces can be covered with a surface coating 31 of stucco or other suitable material. 'Ihe interior surface of the wall can be covered by a thin layer 38 of plaster, paint, wall paper or other finish.

' A suitable corner junction for walls formed of such panels is shown in Fig. 6, In this `case the space 4| between the vertical'edge portions of the two panels, is enclosed by an outer angle slab 42. Tie wires 43 serve to retain this slab in position in contact with the outer shoulders 21. 'Space 4| is concealed upon the inner side of the wall by plaster or cement 44. Members 2| in this instance are connected by vertically spaced members 45.

Fig. 7 illustrates a T junction between walls formed of such panel units. In this case Athe space 48 formed at the junction between the walls, is enclosed on the outer side of the walls by the slab 48, which is likewise held in position by tie wires At intersecting wall` joints space 48 can be enclosed by cement or plaster 52. Vertically spaced tie members 50 in this case serve to connect members 2| of adjacent panels.

Fig. 8 illustrates a junction between main walls of a building and an interior partition. It may be explained at this point that certain non-bearing interior partitions of a building constructed in accordance with my invention, need not have the thickness or strength required for exterior or interior bearing walls. In this case the space 53 at the intersection between the walls is simply enclosed by the plaster or cement. The vertical structural members of the adjacent wall panels are tied together by the metal straps 60 and the vertical member of the partition panel connected thereto by straps 56.

By referring to the vertical wall section of Fig. 9. it is possible to secure a comprehensive idea as to the manner in which panel units can be assembled to form a wall for a two story building, and how the floors, ceilings, and roof can be assembled together with the wall. In this case a lower row of panel units 6|, corresponding to the exterior panel units I2 of Fig. 1, extend substantially one story' in height, and assembled upon top of panels 6|, there is a row of panels '62 enclosing the second story. The lower panels 6| illustrate a type containing hollow cores between wall surfaces, while the upper panels 62 are indicative oi' substantially solid slab filling material. 'Ihe lower edge of panel 8| rests upon a suitable /foundation wall 63. This foundation is provided with a channel sill member 64 adapted to interlock with the lower structural elements 23 of panels 6|. Likewise the lower structural members 28 of the upper row of panels 62, have an interlocking engagement with the structural members 22 of the lower panels 6I. The roof deck 88 can be interlocked with the upper structural members 22 of the upper row of panels 62. Aligned recesses 61 are shown on the inner faces of thelower row of panels 6|, to accommodate a floor structure 68, Reinforcing shelf angle member 69 can be embedded in each of the lower panels 6|, to form an adequate bearingfor iloor structure 68. Obviously the floor 68 can be made 'in any desired manner, either of wood or of fireproof materials. It is possible' to make it Vof panel construction of dimensions corresponding Yto those of wall panels as previously described. Near the upper edges of the lower panels 6| are the aligned recesses 10 for accommodating a ceiling slab 1|. Continuous strut angles 12 extend the length of the wall and are connected at joints between panels thereby serving to align such panels in a straight wall, such angles occurringat top of wall and ait-intermediate floor levels. A somewhat different type of construction has been illustrated for the upper floor deck. lnthis case a wood subjoist14bears on the shelf angles 16 which are embedded in the bottom ofv recesses 13 in each panelQ rAn upper floor wood deck 11 is supported by subjoists 14. The upper edge portions of panels 62 are likewise aligned `by continuous strut angle 18 and are provided with recesses 1,8 for receiving theceiling slab 8|. This ceiling can likewise be made in panelsof suitable dimensions corresponding to the dimensional increment spacingof wall panels.l

Figs. 13, 14 and 15 indicate a suitable manner in which steel sill members, steel joists, and steel truss members, can be supported by a wall such as indicated generally in Fig. 9. In this case the lower ends of the structural members 2|, of two adjacent panels forming the iirst story portion of the wall, are tied together by the U- shaped members 96. This member 96 can of course be electrically welded to structural members 2|,' or bolted thereto by means of the studs 28, and can engage an anchor bolt projecting upward from the foundation thru the sill channel. Joists 84 are'shown in the form of I beams. The lower ange of each joist is connected to members 2|, by means of members 91 and 95. Member 98 is a seat angle to support the end of I beam 84 and is secured to the foundation channel 64.

The upper ends of the structural members 2| for the lower panels, are tied together and spliced to the lower ends of the structural members 2| of the upper panels, by means of a member 99. The steel joists 88, which are also shown in the form of I beams, are secured at their ends to member 99 by means of angle members |0| andfto the continuous angle strut 12 (see Fig. 15). 'I'he upper portions of the structural members 2| of the upper panels, are secured together by the member |03. Members 99 and |03 canA be secured to structural members 2| by welding, or by means of the threaded studs 28 shown in Figs. 2 and 4. The horizontal structural members 92 of the roof truss are secured to theupper panel sections |03, by angle members |04, and the continuous angle strut 18.

By reference to the construction shown in Figs. 13 and 14, it is evident that the spaces between the panels for the lower story will sometimes be in alignment with and in communication with the spaces between the panels for the upper story. Therefore conduit, piping, and the like can be extended thru these spaces from the basement to the upper story, or from the attic to the lower story. However this will not be true where double or triple width panels occur in the rst or in the second story walls and not in both.

The method of locking together the upper and lower rows of panels for a two story building wall is somewhat different in Fig. 16, than as previously described with reference to Fig. 9. In this case the lower edge of the frame for each panel is formed by a light pressed sheet metal member |01, which is bent channel shaped to provide a groove. Likewise the upper edge portion of each panel is formed by a frame member |08 which also can be made of light metal similar to the lower member |01, and which is channel shaped to provide a projecting tongue. In assembling such panels they interlock with horizontal structural members'n the form of channels |09. For example one channel |09 is placed upon the foundation as a sill and forms a tonguel interlocking with `the lower edges of the first row of panels. v

An intermediate `channel |09 is interposed be- A tween the upper edge portions of the lower row of '/panels, and the lower edge portionsl of the upper row of panels. Likewise an upper channel |09 extends along and is interlocked with the f ||0, made of suitable material such as tar paper. ror sheet metal, which extends in a general direction parallel to the planes of the faces oi' the panel, and which is crimped or .formed in such a manner that the divided portions oi' the cementitious body are interlocked together. "A waterproof membrane can also be provided by sheathing the interior sides ofthe panels with sheet metal, as will be presently explained'.

In Figs. 17 andy 18 there is shown another suitable method for connecting together the members 2| of the adjacent panels and also for connecting lateral joists 58 to the composite wall. Such joists comprise I beams provided with extension angles projecting at each end. These angle members bear on and are connected to angles H2, which are bolted, or welded, to the adjacent ends of structural members 2| of the panel units,

v occur at intermediate spacing locations.

and to the horizontal channel sill or strut |09 of Fig. 16. A similanarrangement can be utilized for roof truss connections to the composite wall, and probably has vsuperior strength to the type of connections and of angle struts illustrated in Figs. 13 to 15 inclusive. It has the disadvantage however of interrupting the vertical spaces between the panels for the lower and upper stories, though this can be overcome as will be described later.

Figs. 10, 11 and 12 convey a better idea as to the manner of forming a wall for a two story buildingby assembling panel units such as have been previously described. In these views the surfacing of s tucco or other suitable material upon the surfaces of the wall, has been omitted for the sake of clarity, and certain details, as for example the manner of interlocking the panels, correspond with Fig. 16. Thus referrring to Fig. 10, |2 indicates a single plain panel such as referred to in the description of Fig. 1. I Panel |2a is likewise a single panel, but is provided with an opening for a doorway. Panel |2b is a single panel but is provided with an opening for a window. Panels |2f are double panels and are provided with central openings for windows. The joints or junctions between the panels indicated generally at |4, can be constructed substantially as shown in Fig. 5. Corner joints,'indicated generally at ||6, can be constructed substantially as shown in Fig. 6. It will be noted that in case of the double-panels |2f, andv also in the case of triple panels if they are employed, structural members are required for the upper edge, corre'- sponding to the members 23 of Fig. 3. This upper structural member in such double or triple panels must' function.. as a beam to offset any weakening which may be occasioned by the window opening, and to support the structural members, such as roof truss, floor joist, or upper story panel joint comprising a post, which will Such beam member at top of multiple width panels may comprise a truss embedded in the body of the panel.

Fig. 11 is substantially the same as enlarged cross section of Fig. 16. The lower floor in this instance is shown as of wood construction and resting upon wood subjoists which are in turn supported by main joists y58. Likewise an upper wood floor 8l of the same construction is shown supported by similar joists.

Figs. 19 and 20 illustrate diagrammatically an arrangement of panels similar to those illustrated in Fig. 16, and serves to make clear the manner in which electrical conduits and various pipes can be extended thru the Vertical spaces formed between the panels. Members 3| in this instance represent cover slabs as described with reference to Fig. 5. The space confined by slabs 3 I, formed between the adjacent vertical edges of the panels. is shown occupied by a Vertical vent pipe |22, which extends thru the roof of the building. Pipe |23 represents heating, gas or water pipe provided with a horizontal connection |24 extending into the adjacent room. Another pipe |25 extends thru the floor of the second story, and pipes |25 and |21 are extended horizontally between the ceiling of the first and the floor of the second story. It will be noted that in passing from the first to the second story level, the piping must be offset to pass. the channel |06. Piping and conduit can reach any vertical space between panels in anywall in thel building by horizontal runs at floor or ceiling levels and upper and lower floor risers need not be in alignment laterally in the wall.

In Fig. 20 electrical wiring conduit |23 is extended upwardly thru the space 29. A lighting fixture |3| communicates with this conduit, and is mounted upon the inner cover slab 3|. Likewise a switch |32 and convenience outlet |33 is installed flush with the cover slab 3| and is connected to conduit |29. Other conduits |34 and |36 can extend horizontally between the ceiling of the first and the floor of the second story. In the event that members |09 are omitted, as in the arrangement described with reference toFigs. 13 to 15 inclusive, then it is obvious that conduit v or piping need not be offset in passing one floor members 22 and 23 are subject to'change and can be square edges if preferred.

Inplace of utilizing slabs 3| as shown in Fig. 5, the space between two adjacent panels can be covered by a plaster or mortar coating |4I, shown in Fig. 21. To permit applicationof such a coating, the panels can be provided with protruding strips |42 of suitable metal reinforcement, such asV expanded metal lath. The edges of these strips can be embedded in the cementaceous material of the panel bodies at the time these panels are fabricated. Fig. 21"a1so`indicates a hollow structure of thev cementaceous material, corresponding to that'of panel 6| in Fig. 9.

Fig. 22 indicates a further modified form of panel juliction in hwhich the vertical edges of the panels consist of I-beam structuralmembers |43. The body portions of such panels can be made of cementitious materialsuch as has been previously described, but in this instance the sux'- faces of the panels are sheathed with composition boards |46. Likewise the vertical spaces be-l tween the edges of the panels, are covered by composition board strip |41.

In Figs. 23 and 24'I have shown panel units sheathed with metal. As for example in Fig. 23 the panel units designated generally at |5|, consist of metal sheathing |52 secured to a suitable metal frame. One edge portion |53 of this frame is formed integral with the sheathing, while the other edge portion |54 is formed by a structural channel member.

When the panels are assembled to form a wall, the spaces between adjacent panels can be concealed by metal cover plates |56. The interior of the panels can contain a suitable nller, preferably a material which is heat insulating, and can conceal stiifening ribs to prevent bulging of the sheathing. The iiller may be loose, .as for example mineral Wool or diatoma` ceous earth, or it may be a backing of felt or paper adhering to the sheathing, or in the form of a slab of aerated gypsum or like material encased within the panels. If exposed metallic surfaces are not desired, any suitable finish can be applied directly on the sheathing and cover plates, resulting in a smooth wall surface. The sheathing can be secured to the metal parts of the panel frame, by suitable means such as welding. Metal sheathing -may occur only on interior surfaces, the exterior wall panels being filled with ce- Irnentitious material to receive -stucco exterior that of Fig. 23, although in Ithis case both vertical edge portions of the panels are formed by channels |55. One of the cover plates |51 is offset outwardly from the adjacent surfaces of the panels,

and is electrically welded to the adjacent edgesV of the panel sheathing. Such a construction afiords a panelled appearance. y

In forming panel units of metal sheathing, if the surface of the sheathing is to be exposed instead of being painted over or papered, suitable corrosion resisting materials can be employed. For example I can employ aluminum or an aluminum alloy, copper or copper alloys, or staini less steel.

The panel units which have been previously described have been characterized by the fact that the vertical edge portions of the unitsI are in the form of structural members. AS has been previously described, after these panels are erected, adjacentyertical structural members of the panel frames are connected together in such a manner that each pair of vertical edge members form the equivalent of a vertical post or column which supports a vertical loading. I have found that it is also possible to utilize separate posts of hollow construction which can accommodate conduit, piping and the like, and then to provide panel units having their edges so constructed that they can be interlocked with the posts or pilasters when assembled inj the wall. Constructions of this character are shown in Figs. 25 to 28 inclusive.

Referring to Fig. 25, the panel units are designated generally as |66, and can be formed of molded or cast cementitious material, as for example of aerated-concrete. Suitable metal reinforcement can be provided to add strength. The

vvertical edges of these Ypanel units are provided with grooves |61, and also with beveled corners |68. The posts consist of channels |69 which are. tied together in any suitable manner. Panel units |66 can be interlocked with channels |69 as shown, and the space |1| between channels |69, which can accommodate piping, conduit, or the like, can be concealed by the slabs |12, or can be covered with lath and plaster. In this case theexterior of the wall will likewise be `bers ISI.

covered with stucco or equivalent material, while the interior surface can be covered with plaster or like material.

The construction of Fig. 26 is similar to that of Fig. 25, although in this instance a junction is shown between two walls. The adjacent panel of the wall extending at right angles to the other wall, is locked between strips |8| fabricated with channels |69.

In Fig. 27 the panel units |13 are provided with tongue shaped vertical edges |14 to interlock with a post formed by the outwardly faced angle members |15. The space |16 formed by the vertical post can be covered by a coating of plater applied on metal lath |11 fastened to such pos s.

In Fig. 28 the post |82 is shaped in the form of a pipe except that side longitudinal slots |83 are provided to permit access to the interior thereof. The adjacent edges of the panels |84 are provided with concave edged surfaces |86 adaptedto interlock with post |62, and beveled cornices |81 facilitate fitting in ofo cover slabs |88, which conceal the post |82 and any conduit or piping within the same.

In the event that posts are employed separate from the panel units, it should be lnoted that these posts should not only be of such a character as toienable positioning of piping or conduit within the same, but that the distance between the line of centers of the posts or columns as measured laterally should preferably be a standard dimensional increment or multiple thereof.

In all of the modiiications of my invention contained above, I have repeatedly made reference to the provision o vertical spaces for accommodating conduit, piping or the like. It is obvious that after the conduit or piping has been placed in the spaces, the remaining space may be entirely lled with a suitable material. Such construction has the disadvantage that the pipes or conduits are not readily accessible for repair, but has the advantage that the filler can provide insulation at such spaces. This filler may be of such material that it can support a part of the load, supplementing the structural post member. In the event that a ller of either variety is employed it is obvious that the surfaces oi the i-lller can be finished sogas to continue the continuity or the side walls of the panels and obviate the necessity of using the previously described cover slabs. 'Ilius the resulting effect is substantially the same as with panel junctions previously described.

In connection with the modification described in the preceding paragraph, it is pos/sible that the posts be merely suiiicient to support erection nf a building to one story height, after which the vertical spaces between adjacent edges of the panels can be iilled in with concrete or equivalent rnaterial, to add strength 'and rigidity. Further construction can then/ proceed upon the structure which has been so strengthened. Thus in Fig. 29 there is shown suclr a skeleton post formed of spaced T members ISI. These T members can be connected by hoop battons |92 welded thereto. The panel units |98'are provided with grooves |94 along their `vertical edges, to form an interlocking engagement with T mem- Suitable forms can be placed upon the sides of the panels, to enable pouring of a concrete filler |96. When this concrete has set the entire structure has been madeV relatively strong yand rigid, Any piping or conduit to be located with such lled spaces will of course be installed prior to pouring.

Where separate posts are employed, with panels located between same and interlocking therewith, the posts will be substantiallyone story in height as in other embodiments of my invention. However the panels for such construction need not necessarily'be of corresponding height. For ease of erection and to utilize smaller, lighter units it can require several panels to fill one story height of wall though each such panel will extend the full distanceD betweenposts.

In conclusion, it should be noted that while the spacing of the joints between panels, which may also comprise hollowseparate posts, is preferably a uniform dimensional increment, or multiple thereof, the increment selected may vary with different embodiments of f my invention. Generally speaking, I prefer to select a spacing increment that will also be suitable for the spacing of floor joists, roof trusses and other structural members required in the complete structure. Thus all connections between such members and the walls will occur at the spaced posts and where panels are double or triple width same will occur at predetermined intermediate spacings at which points means for connections may be provided. 1

In connection with the described spacing system it has already been mentioned that floor decks and ceiling slabs may be fabricated in panel form in sizes corresponding to the standard increment, `and this applies also to the roof deck. All supplementary structural members can be n fabricated to t such increment variations. Ma-

terial such as flooring, interior trim, piping, con- /duit and the like can be cut to t in the factory and in this way further savings in cost can be effected. Thus my invention reduces the labor required for erecting a building to the simple assembling of prefabricated units, eliminates the lathing operation as now required, reduces or eliminates theplastering operation, Aand permits .many money saving economies.

I claim:

l. In a building construction, a vertical wall formed of a plurality of upper and a plurality of lower parallelpanel units, said units being positioned in such a manner that spaces intervene between the vertical edges of adjacent panels, the spaces between the upper panels being alined and in communication with the spaces between the lower panel units, whereby conduit and the like can extend vertically thru any two alined spaces, and a hollow floor and ceiling structure associated with the lower `edges of the upper panel -units and upper edges of the lower panel units, the interior of said structure being in communication with said alined spaces, the distance measured laterally between the centers of any two adjacent spaces being a standard dimensional increment or multiple thereof.

2. In a building construction, a plurality of `verticaliprefabricated panels arranged in groups aligned with two horizontalwall center lines intersecting at 90, said panels being rectangular and placed in edge-to-edgeV relationship to form two vertical/walls and each of said panels providing a section of a wall in a single unit, in plan the distancesbetween the centers of4 joints between adjacent panels conforming to a standard dimensional increment or multiple thereof, the point of intersection of the wall lines likewise coinciding with the. center of the corner joints, each* of said panels in plan having y.Such

an outline that its edges do not extend beyond two clearance lines drawn through each adjacent joint center which are at angle of 45 with respect to said wall center lines andat right angles to each other, whereby intermediate wall panels are interchangeable with corner panels adjacent said point of intersection.

3. In a building construction, a plurality of vertical, pre-fabricated panels of substantial thickness and of a height substantially equal to one story of the building, said panels being arranged in edge-to-edge relationship in alignment with two horizontal wall center lines intersecting at 90, whereby two vertical walls are formed, in plan the distances between the centers of joints vbetween adjacent panels conforming to a standard dimensional increment or multiple thereof. the point of intersection of the wall center lines coinciding with the center of the corner joint, each of said panels in plan having such an outline that its edges do not extend beyond two clearance lines drawn through each adjacent joint center which are at an angle of 45 with respect to said wall center lines and at right angles to each other, whereby intermediate wall panels are interchangeable with corner panels adjacent said point of intersection, there being vertically-extending spaces provided between the adjacent edges of the panels for accommodating conduit, piping, or the like.

4. In a building construction, a plurality of vertical, pre-fabricated panel units in edge-toedge relationship and aligned with intersecting horizontal wall center lines to compose a plurality of vertical intersecting walls encompassing a floor area, said panels being rectangular and of a substantial thickness to form both side wall surfaces, in plan the distances between the vertical center lines of joints between adjacent panels conforming to a standard dimensional incre- V ment or multiple thereof and the points of lnzontal wall center lines to compose a plurality of vertical intersecting walls encompassing a floor area, said panels being rectangular and of a substantial thickness to form both side wall surfaces, said panels also being of suilicient height to form one story of a building, in plan the distances between the centers ofjoints between adjacent panels conforming to a standard dimensional increment or multiple thereof and the points of intersection of the wall centerlines coinciding with the vertical center lines of the corner joints, said panels in plan being so outlined that their edges do not extend beyond clearance lines drawn through each joint center which are at right angles to each other and 45 with respect to said wall center lines, whereby intermediate panels of any wall are interchangeable with corner wall panels, there being spaces between the adjacent edges of the panels extending substantially the entire height of the walls and serving to accom-- modate conduit, piping,- and the like.

6. In ya building construction, a plurality of vertical, pre-fabricated panels of substantial thicknessv and of a Vheight substantially equal to one story of the building, said panels being arranged in edge-to-edge relationship in alignment with two horizontal wall center lines and intersecting at 90 whereby two vertical walls are formed, in plan the distances between the centers of joints between adjacent panels conforming to a. standard dimensional increment or multiple thereof, the point of intersection of the wall center lines coinciding with the center .of the corner joint, each of said panels in plan having such an outline that its edges do not @extend beyond two clearance lines drawn through each adjacent joint center which are at an angle y of 45 with respect to saidv wall center lines andl at right angles to each other, whereby intermediate wall panels are interchangeable' with corner panels adjacent to said point of intersection, there being vertically extending spaces provided between the adjacent edges of the panels, and a ceilingl structure associated with the upper edges of said panels, space above said ceiling structure being in communication with the upper ends of said spaces, wherebyconduit and the like can be extended `from above said ceiling structure downwardly through said spaces.

'7. In a building construction, a plurality'of vertical, pre-fabricated panelsof substantial' thickness and of a heightsubstantially equal to one story of the building, said panels being airanged in edge-to-edge relationship in alignment with two horizontal wall center lines intersecting at 90 whereby two verticalwalls are formed, in planthe distances between the vcenters of joints between adjacent panels conforming to a. standard dimensional increment or multiple thereof, the point of intersection of the wall centerl lines coinciding with the center` of the lcorner joint, each of said panels in plan having A such an outline that its edges do not extend beyond two clearance lines drawn through each adjacent joint center which are .atan angle of with respect to said wall center lines and at right angles to each other, whereby intermediate wall panels are interchangeable with corner panels adjacent to said point of' intersection, there behorizontal wall center lines -to compose a plurality of vertical intersecting walls encompassing a' oor area; said panels being rectangular and of a substantial thickness-to form both side surfaces of lsaicl walls, said panelsalso being of a suficientheight to form one story. of a building, in plan the distances betweenthe centers of joints between adjacent panels conforming to a standard dimensional increment or multiple thereof and intersections of wall center lines coinciding with 4respective centers of corner joints, said panels in plan being so outlined that their edges do not extend beyond clearance lines drawn througheach `joint center at an angle of 45 with respect to said wall center linesand at right angles to eachother whereby intermediate panels of any wall are interchangeable -with corner wall panels, there being spaces be tween the adjacent edges of the panels extend- Aing substantially the entire height of; the' walls,

and means for providing continuing wall surfaces -`over said spaces to complete said walls.

FRANCIS' MALcoLM caown. 

